Hey everyone I’m back again, and this time we had a chance to talk with the creator of WeMagazine. WeMagazine is an alternative news outlet that gives raw news without biased or skewed opinions. In today’s society the media portrays what they want you to see, ie editing. Therefore it is always great to have a go to alternative media source. WeMagazine is it because it talks about real life issues (race, police brutality, etc.), and real life people. So let’s get into some of those topics and by the end we hope you are team WeMagazine!

Q: Can you please give use your name, background, business name, and business background.

A: I am DeLisha Sylvester, Founder/CEO of Women’s Elevation Magazine. WE Magazine is an online magazine that promotes, elevates, and inspires women.Q: What inspired you to develop a news outlet? How does your magazine differ from other media outlets?A: I was inspired to start WE Magazine because I wanted to give a voice to the voiceless. I wanted to share stories that you wouldn’t necessarily see in the mainstream media. I wanted to give writers a platform to get their work out there. I also wanted to provide a media outlet that was strictly positive. I felt that there were not many media outlets that do that. There aren’t a lot of outlets that don’t report gossip. I get it gossip sells, but how are you feeding the people? How are you feeding their souls? How are you inspiring them?Q: What is We Magazine? Who are the founders? Why and how did you come up with the idea?

A: I started WE Magazine in 2013, by myself in my living room, and all I had was an idea. I was pushed to do it after the birth of my daughter. I wanted to show her that if mommy can take an idea from her head and go after it, then so could she. From there I just kept growing the business, and incorporating other positive things under its umbrella.

Q: What is the concept of the Naturally Me segment?

A: It started out as a way to promote the concept of loving yourself and defining your own idea of beauty/self-admiration. As time has passed I have incorporated other topics. Inspiration, black lives matter, entrepreneurship, positivity are things that we cover now. I decided to incorporate other topics because I found that I started to have conversations with my followers. Like I would talk with them about real topics; when I sit down to post I am really have conversations with people, and we get real and raw.

Q: From your post we see you were moved by the Sandra Bland case (especially coming from a soror point of view) what are your feelings towards the issue?A: Well, Sandra Bland was my soror. She was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and just based off of that I had to speak out. We are bonded by our sisterhood whether we know each other personally or not. I had to speak out, and she isn’t the first woman or man that I have spoken out for. I think the thing about it for me is that black women are being killed or mysteriously dying in police custody and people aren’t speaking for them. When a black woman dies the world is silent, and that’s an issue. We have to stand up for ourselves because the media will not show that our lives matter unless we make them. At the end of the day silence is not a part of my makeup so I had to speak out.Q: How do you stay true to your mission of conversing, inspiring, and encouraging?

A: It’s not very hard to stay true to my mission. I mean, yes I know if I was reporting the latest gossip my platform would have probably skyrocketed by now, but it’s just not me. The point of the brand is to uplift women and inspire the next generation. I can’t do that throwing someone’s business out there, especially when I don’t know them.Q: Your page post about a lot of racial based social issues and current events; what is your overall stance or outlook on the relationship between Blacks & Whites in America? In what ways do you think your page could help impact on this issue?A: My outlook is simple – black lives matter. It is up to us to keep reminding people of that. I talk about the issues because how can I ignore them. As a black woman I can’t just ignore it, and I especially can’t ignore us. I have used my platform to share stories that people miss or just don’t know about. I show both sides of the spectrum. I will share a story about the tragedy of Sandra Bland, but I will also showcase the positive sides of black people as well. The thing about it is that we shouldn’t have to tell the media and the people of this country that we matter, but we do. Why? Because the idea that we never mattered is a part of this country’s foundation.Q: Why is it important to have an avenue separate from the mainstream media to talk about these issues?A: The media is all about getting ratings. They want those likes and retweets, so they are not always going to report on what’s really going on. Even when they do, they do it in a way that sensationalizes the story. Do you really think they would report on the countless black lives being taken if there was no outcry? I mean if it wasn’t for the people many of these stories wouldn’t even get traction.Q: Do you have any upcoming projects you want people to look out for?

A:We are bringing back our WE Rock awards in 2016. It’s something we did in 2013 where we honored women making a difference in their communities. We are also working on another project that provides women coming together by sharing their stories.

Q: Where and how can people purchase your magazine?A: People want to purchase the magazine can go to our website http://www.womenselevationmagazine.com/buy-now.
I hope you enjoyed our talk with Delisha, the creator of WeMagazine. If you found interest, or are passionate about any of these topics again you can purchase the magazine at http://www.womenselevationmagazine.com/buy-now. Also you can follow WeMagazine on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @naturallymewemagazine! Be informed by something real. Tune in on Wednesday to here what the Kaotik Poet has to say!

So this time around I got a chance to talk to a New York native and dope poet. Her birth name is Radhaysa Guzman, but she goes by Raw the Poet. That is exactly what she is bringing to the table a Raw flavor that you can feel in your spirit. Whether she is speaking of break ups, women empowerment, or social injustices the connection she makes between a paper and pen is able to directly connect with your soul. I enjoyed talking to Raw; now I want you to jump into our talk, and hopefully you’re inspired by the end.

Q: Can you please give use your name, background, business name, and business background.

A: My given name is Radhaysa Guzman, Brooklyn born and Manhattan raised. I am a proud female, from New York, who has taken to writing as her passionate lover. I am currently working on many business ideas, while earning my business communication degree at the lovely Berkeley College.

Q: What made you choose the name Raw the Poet?

A: Raw the Poet became my alter ego, but in all reality, I saw the alter ego become an expression of my soul. Raw being what I want to manifest and Poet being who I was born to be. I chose this profile name in a mental fog and it stuck. I found it pretty cool since I chose my own name. I want to be criticized, but for, what I know everyone wants to say and feels. I am willing to be completely naked (raw) for the people or public.

Q: In Entry #197 Rare Event who was the beautiful bandit and what feeling was it supposed to evoke?

A: I spoke about my own experience. The experience of a sudden break up where I was proud of leaving. I felt free of displeasure, but angry at the same time, because of the time invested into a relationship myself conscious could not agree with. It was almost as if the universe traveled through me and knocked my head on straight. I hope a female or man feeling undervalued can read Rare Event and feel evoked to walk away from a situation tat cannot serve them.

Q: In Entry #196 Sun Child you spoke of a woman with sun kissed skin, so beautifully and fluid, what did you want women, especially of color, to take from this?

A: I wanted women of color (tribal women) to realize their skin is a trade mark, a beautiful trade mark. In America it seems as if your skin color defines your status, I wanted women, of color, to know we are the flowers the sun is looking for. Brown to black skin, we are rich in beauty and no historical book written by prejudice people can change my perception on the beauty behind “colored skin”. Taino or African tribes. We are euphoric beauties and should accept the way we walk, talk, dress, and continue to reinvent the beauty quota.Q: I love Entry #155 Life Comment because it leaves room for the imagination, but what is It? What does it be like to you?

A: I meant to evoke the imagination of my readers. It became a regular statement for me living in New York. When I say “it be like that” it means things cannot be changed. For example cycles and build in society ideas.

Q: When people read your words what is the overall message or feeling you want to convey?

A: I want people to feel moved from their deepest emotional mind, so they can heal. I feel the biggest help to an emotional situation, which is a situation faced by everyone, is knowing you’re not alone with your crazy thoughts or mixed emotions. I want people to get, IT IS OKAY TO FEEL AND QUESTION!!!! PLEASE QUESTION! EVERYTHING THAT COMES INTO MANIFESTATION.

Q: Through your writing your gender is ambiguous, is this intentional?

A: It very much is. I know myself to be ambiguous, even with my taste in fashion. I honestly believe I am a split soul. A combination of two souls who wanted the same exact life experience. Some people will call me crazy and that’s fine as well. (This question made me smile).

Q: How do you see your poetry evolving in time?

A: I see my poetry evolving into books and artistic work.

Q: For your fans, where can they find your work? Do you perform live?A: My supporters can find my totally free material on Instagram @ rawthepoet were I am constantly dropping poetry and they can give a Facebook like to my Artist page @ https://www.facebook.com/rawthepoet. I am working on an Etsy idea were specific pieces can be bought. I will let your reader know and of course anyone following my poetry will be notified how I will go about special material. It might me very artistic… You guys have caught me early in my communication career.

That was our Raw Talk with Raw the Poet. If you found interest in her work, or want to explore her artistry more connect with her on social media. She is personally and professionally on Facebook. If she has interested you as a person and you want to know more about Radhaysa; you can search her at Radhaysa Guzman. If you are interested in her artistry you can find that at http://www.facebook.com/rawthepoet! Tune back in on Saturday to catch Mr.Roundtree’s interview about real hip hop. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll leave you guys on a poetic note.

When people hear the word feminist sometime’s it’s comparable to hearing the word Ebola. However, when you put bitter in front of that word, you might be added to the listed of wanted terrorist. By any chance did you know that feminist bake, knit, love cartoons, and do all of the other things you do? Probably not because the word makes people defensive, but I think I can change your mind. I had the chance to chat with the Bitter Feminist herself, Alek Thoms, and it was such fun. We talked about everything from Donald Trumps comment on Hillary Clinton; to baking. So let’s get into some feminist talk with Alek.

Q: Can you please give use your name, background, business name, and business background?

A: My name is Alekzandra Thoms (Alleigh, more commonly), and I come from all over. I’ve moved eight times in my 17 years, and currently reside in a suburb of New York City! I don’t have much of any business background, technically. I just do what I love and sometimes manage to make a buck out of it!

Q: Lets talk about the name Bitter Feminist (which I love), what made you choose something that society could view as “harsh”?

A: Ha! Well, I came up with it as my tumblr URL a couple years ago so that it would be memorable, so I guess that sums me up. I want to be memorable. And I guess a name like that, being hard to forget, makes you think. I guess that’s what I wanted – people to think, ‘what are they bitter about? Why are they a feminist?’- and I didn’t care if someone thought that it was too up-front, or too “harsh.” Basically, I want people to know that I’m a feminist, and I don’t give a fuck what you think about that, or what your brother or boss or dad thinks of that. I’m a feminist, and I’m bitter.

Q: We see baking is your bff, why is that? What is your favorite dessert to bake? Why did you choose Vegan?

A: I’ve actually just gotten back into baking! I’ve always loved it – my dad’s a great chef, and we’ve always bonded over the food network. But in the pst couple years, I’ve more or less stopped watching TV. I found a cooking channel on YouTube called How to Cook That (by Ann Reardon), and it made me extraordinarily anxious to get in the kitchen. Then, just in this past summer, whenever I’m bored I turn on the Food Network and just get inspired! So when my mom wanted to go on a vegan cleanse for a couple weeks, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to bake cool things like breads, because veganism is based a lot in the kitchen.

Q: Your picture captioned “I am a gift from God #thisonesforyouwil”, what was the inspiration for that?A: Haha! This photo is funny because I took a great selfie with my armpit hair flowing in the wind, and you know, sort of sat on it, wanted to post it but also didn’t want to – not because of the armpit hair really, but because I was looking a little tired in it and my lipstick was a little faded. The “Wil” in the hashtag in my brother (I’m sure he’d be thrilled to know he’s making a cameo in this interview), who always jokes about how nasty my armpit hair is. During that week, I’d been saying things like if he braided it or paid me copious amounts of money I’d shave it. So, just to spite him I posted this photo on instagram and tagged him as the armpit hair!

Q: We also see you are an artist, where does your artistic inspiration stem from?

A: I don’t know, really. I mean, art is huge in my family, but not visual arts. My parents are both professional opera singers and music teachers, my grandpa, dad and little brother are composers, and if you put my whole extended family together (paternal) you can literally get an entire chamber orchestra, complete with singers, composers and conductors. So, of course, I sing. But I honestly don’t know where my love of visual arts comes from!

As for inspiration, I get it from my friends, from nature, and from a lot of movies and, of course, the internet.

Q: Can you tell me about your patchwork and sewing? It’s great, do you plan on making it a career?

A: Thank you! I don’t know if I’ll make a career out of it, but I do enjoy doing it! It’s extremely calming and therapeutic, so after a tough day it’s easy to wind down with it, especially because I can watch a movie or a TV show while I do it. For example, I made a Robin Williams face patch while watching “The Birdcage” with my friends the moment after I found out about his death. It was, and is, really hard for me to deal with because he reminds me so much of myself and my grandpa, and sewing made it all bearable, and left me with a tangible reminder of his legacy.

Q: What is the average day for a Bitter Feminist?

A: Summer edition or real life edition? In the summer I wake up at noon, curse myself for waking up at noon, take my medicine (hopefully), try to find some food. I mainly sit around for a while doing nothing until I succumb to the fact that I’ll be sitting in my sweltering room finishing a commission and re-watching “The X-Files”, or “Twin Peaks” or “Mulan”. I do this most of the day, I usually forget to eat, I go on tumblr, and repeat until about 2am. Then I go to sleep. In real life, I wake up 20 minutes before school starts on a good day, otherwise it’s 5 minutes before, hopefully remember to take my medicine, search for food (usually to no avail), and blah blah blah (school). Then I’m interning at an after school program for little kids to sing and act, sometimes cute, most of the time tiring. Then I go home and sleep (this is usually at 9:30 pm, ironically).

Q: Being a feminist how do you feel about Donald Trump’s tweet “If Hillary Clinton can’t satisfy her husband what makes you think she can satisfy America?

A: Of course I’m disgusted, but then again everything this man says and does disgusts me. It’s disgusting that, no matter the situation or job, a woman is always watered down to a sex object. Because honestly, if you put any brain power into it, what has her ability to pleasure a man sexually got to do with being able to run a country?! She’s not running the country with her vagina! I have my own problems about why she won’t be able to “satisfy America” (Woo! Bernie 2016!!), but saying that it’s linked in anyway to her sexuality is reprehensible and plain idiotic. The fact that a qualified woman can’t run for president without it being turned sexual is disappointing.

Q: What is your message to women?

A: This is pretty hard because there are so many women in so many varied situations and at differing levels of oppression than myself, so anything I might say may be improbable for another woman. So I won’t say go online and look up every march you can find and march them, because not everyone can do one or the other or either of those things. But I will say, that loving yourself is hard as fuck, and sometimes almost impossible, so it seems; but if you tell yourself at every turn that you are the BADDEST bitch, and the most beautiful lady with the most beautiful eyes, who is worthy of all the love in the world because you can give all the love in the world, you will end up believing it. Tell yourself that your episodes and dissociation and pain and relapsing is going to end. Tell yourself it’s okay that it happened and that you’re a good person anyway. Fake it til you make it. Because loving yourself is one of the most radical, and revolutionary acts you can commit in this world. I would also say, try to question everything you do. The best way you, personally, can try to end oppression, is knowing how and why it manifests. When you look at the cover of a magazine, and ask yourself why you only see white women, when you watch TV and ask yourself why you only see skinny women, or when you do see fat women and ask yourself why they’re the butt of the joke, you’re beginning to understand how ingrained it is, how it’s being internalized. And when you understand, only then can you really try to fight back.

If you enjoyed this article and want to keep up with the Bitter Feminist feel free to follow her on her social media. In Alek’s words all her usernames use bitter feminist to some degree, so it is a little hard to miss her if you are looking. You can find her on tumblr (bitter-feminist), instagram (bitter_feminist), etsy (bitterfeminist), twitter (bitter_feminist) and polyvore (occassionally) (bitter-feminist). If you want to hear more of Alek in an inspirational way please follow her inspirational Instagram dedicated to her activism @bitterfeministinspo! I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed interviewing her. Please tune back in on Thursday to catch our interview with Raw the Poet!!

“In a landmark opinion, a divided Supreme Court ruled on June 26th that states cannot ban same-sex marriage. The U.S. is now the 21st country to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. Married same-sex couples will now enjoy the same legal rights and benefits as married heterosexual couples and will be recognized on official documents such as birth and death certificates.”
One day shy of an entire month, same sex marriages were legalized; yet transgender people are still being killed. So is it acceptable for women to date women, and men to date men as long as they stay their birth sex? Does America hate all gays? Or is it just transgenders? On July 21, 2015 India Clarke was the 10th transgender women to be killed in Tampa Bay Florida by blunt force trauma. India’s death was reported by detectives as followed, “We are not going to categorize him as a transgender. We can just tell you that he had women’s clothing on at the time. What his lifestyle was prior to that we don’t know­­—whether he was a cross dresser, we don’t know.”
There are two issues I have a issue with in the India Clarke case. The first is the insensitivity of Tampa Bay police officers when dealing with the trans-community. The second is hatred that is still displayed towards the trans-community when we are shifting to an area of acceptance. Although we are in a era of the system vs. the people; people still follow the lead of police officers. Showing the community transgenders are not accepted by misreporting their sex makes it evident their murders go unnoticed. Do police officers not considered their deaths worthy of investigation? Secondly, if we are shifting towards an era of acceptance, why are trans people the last on the list to be accepted? By not snitching, murder, theft, and abuse are all accepted. However, a group of people are still not accepted; where is the sense in this?

I think I’m going to call this altered genderism. The act of hating a person for changing their gender. Why can’t people choose who they want to be? If a girl is interested in science, she can choose to be a doctor. If a boy is interested in cars he can be a mechanic. So why is it that if a girl spiritually feels like a boy she can’t choose to be a boy, or vice versa? It’s time to wake up people, and realize their are bigger issues that need to be fought; ie. systematic slavery. We are reverting back to being killed for our color, but all we can pay attention to is killing people for their life choices. It’s time to wake up and ban together not fall apart. I would like to say R.I.P to Ms. India Clarke another sister lost to close mindedness before she had a chance to live.

Wassup everybody it’s BreC again, and I want to talk about the racial cleansing taking place in the Dominican Republic. People have been calling this a genocide, but it’s not because the intent was not to eliminate a racial group; however, the intent is to migrate a racial group.
The tension between Dominicans and Haitians escalated in October 1937 during the Parsley Massacre. The Dominican dictator, Rafael Trujilio, ordered for Haitian migrants that lived across the boarder to be killed. The reason being, so there could be a differentiation between black Dominicans and Haitians. Soldiers were forced to make civilians pronounce the word parsley (perejil in Spanish). Haitians speak Creole which makes it difficult to pronounce r’s. The failures of this linguistics test caused between 9000 and 20,000 Haitian fatalities in a 5 day span. This was referred to as the unknown genocide.

Antihaitinismo (anti-Haiti sentiment) did not begin with the Parsley Massacre. It began when Haitians gained their independence in 1804, and brought their culture to the Dominican Republic. On the other hand, it also did not end with the Parsley Massacre. 76 years after the Parsley Massacre discrimination and violence against Haitians still exist. In 2010 a policy was created to not give citizenship to Haitian immigrant children. This policy impacted 200,000 lives. Now almost 81 years later the killing has continued again. As we speak Haitians are being slaughtered on the streets of the Dominican Republic.

We are living in nostalgia because history is repeating itself. Many people have tried to deny the Holocaust, but thanks to technology the horror in the Dominican Republic is visible. So now my question is, what are we going to do about it? We are one race, human. It is time to take a stand. If you do not agree with the government of the Dominican Republic’s cleansing of 250,000 black Dominicans; sign the petition (http://wh.gov/i08oV). It’s time to end racial hatred.

I was having a rough time choosing which avenue to post this too, but since it is a relationship issue I’ll go with the social segment. Today’s topic is the way titles effect our relationship and the way we love. If someone is given the title supervisor; employees automatically have a higher level of respect. In this instance, why is respect conditional? If someone is given the title mother; certain demands are needed. In this instance, if they fall short should they be condemned for their entire life? These titles hold the same power in relationships.
I am the girl that can date for a year before I commit. I am also the girl that expects more when a title is given. As Fabolous says it, I prefer a “situationship” because it’s free, unconditional, and fun. So I’m going to tell this story to maybe help people save their own relationships. I was the helpless romantic that found love in a hopeless place. Just kidding I was actually indecisive and wasn’t looking. However, through a gaze I found it. It started off small simply flirting, as most people do. Than dates got involved, which were fun. It was as if I found a best friend and love mixed into one. After this sex got involved, and boy was it heightened; a climax I can say I never hit. When you’re just kicking it with a person there is no conditions, which means both parties are still free to do as the wish. The thought of that made me demand a title because me being the egotistical person I am would notallow me to come second to anyone.

At first we had early relationship jitters as everyone does. It feels as if you’re in a blissful world in which only the two of you inhabit. Everyday was fun and every night was passionate. However, as time passed the relationship changed. It went from fun to serious and conditional because we both expected more from the commitment. Why were things different when there was no title? When we went by our names it was acceptable for us both to be ourselves. Whenyou add the title lover that guarantees passion. When we add the titles boyfriend or girlfriend, that guarantees a conformed personality. When you add the title spouse that guarantees a bind of finances and everything else. Something that was once free now requires thought. When the path starts bumpy eventually a road block is going to be hit, and it was.

So I was told, “I’m breaking up with you for us.” In my mind that meant just take my heart and crumble it in your hand, than step on it while you’re at it. However, I’m now realizingthat was the best decision ever. We’re not only back to being friends, but we are back to being ourselves. The passion and love is back to being unconditional and free.
I told this story to say, do not let titles get you bent out of shape. Lead with love and not a condition. A soul tie is what bonds people a title just solidifies it for the public. You can put definitions on people. Don’t let titles such as, lover, boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife make you forget the reason you love a person. If someone changes to fit a condition that is the same as losing a person. Save your relationships by not getting so caught up on conditions and titles, but by loving freely. I want to end by saying this week’s theme was free love and acceptance. When most people think of free love they think LGBT, but free love can be a issue heterosexual couples have as well. Free love is love without condition no matter who it’s with. Free love is the key to a long life. So everyone please love freely.

Caitlyn Jenner’s cover for Vanity Fair has sparked both media attention, and my attention. This monumental accomplishment gave me the inspiration to blog about it. 2-5% of the people in this world are transgender or experience some form of gender dysphoria. 1 out of every 12,000 men are living as transgenders, and 1 out of every 34,000 females are living as transgenders. 20% of these people are now dead. Not due to natural causes or disease, but due to murder. Transphobia has killed 1000s of people. Those who are not dead; however, do not have it easy. Since explicit discrimination laws only exist in 16 states and D.C, brutality against transgenders is overlooked. Since 40% of the violence is initiated by police; it’s open season for other abusers. This article is not about, why people hate transgenders, it’s about Caitlyn Jenner’s accomplishment. However, I do have one question, why do people hate other people because of their differences? Now back to this blog’s purpose.
Vanity’s Fair cover has been graced by numerous supermodels and superstars such as, Naomi Campbell, Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, Kerry Washington, and now Caitlyn Jenner. Bruce Jenner came on the scene as one of the greatest Olympians of all time. However, modern society is more familiar with him as the father of the Kardashian-Jenner clan. Now future generations will know her as Caitlyn Jenner the silent activist for trans-rights who saved through her story.
Religious fanatics may say his transformation was the work of the devil, and he’s going to hell. Critics may say his transformation was a publicity stunt and he’s being a media whore. Bruce would probably say, She is finally free. I would say Caitlyn is a hero. People can fix their noses, complexions, and weight, but why is it wrong for people to fix feeling trapped in the wrong body? For decades Bruce has felt trapped in a man’s body. He has finally freed himself, and introduced the world to Caitlyn Jenner. His use of Vanity Fair as an outlet has made a stand for the fallen and battered of the trans-community. In a world where people view gay as weird, this cover is a step towards equality. My personal opinion is it should have been captioned, We Are Human Too!

I wrote this article to ask, after you take your last breathe, is your body still alive? No, it’s not, which means your spirit carries life. A spirit is characterized by energy, not sex. I’m saying this to say the physical body is a costume. This means Bruce was just given the wrong one. In the land of the free, why is it only acceptable to live your life caged? Don’t be hateful, don’t criticize, but let Caitlyn be free. When people start worrying about themselves, rather than others, love can start. I will end by saying I commend Caitlyn for being a silent voice, and have hope the trans-community will one day be viewed as just people.